EP4086711A1 - Support for a method for sintering of a body, in particular for timepieces - Google Patents

Support for a method for sintering of a body, in particular for timepieces Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4086711A1
EP4086711A1 EP21172840.7A EP21172840A EP4086711A1 EP 4086711 A1 EP4086711 A1 EP 4086711A1 EP 21172840 A EP21172840 A EP 21172840A EP 4086711 A1 EP4086711 A1 EP 4086711A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
shape
sintering
contact
support according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21172840.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Denis Bubendorf
Pierry Vuille
Damien Cartier
Paulo AREDE
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Comadur SA
Original Assignee
Comadur SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Comadur SA filed Critical Comadur SA
Priority to EP21172840.7A priority Critical patent/EP4086711A1/en
Priority to US17/656,657 priority patent/US20220355373A1/en
Priority to JP2022053202A priority patent/JP7393459B2/en
Priority to KR1020220054949A priority patent/KR20220152153A/en
Priority to CN202210487866.4A priority patent/CN115307443A/en
Publication of EP4086711A1 publication Critical patent/EP4086711A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F27—FURNACES; KILNS; OVENS; RETORTS
    • F27D—DETAILS OR ACCESSORIES OF FURNACES, KILNS, OVENS, OR RETORTS, IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE OF KINDS OCCURRING IN MORE THAN ONE KIND OF FURNACE
    • F27D5/00—Supports, screens, or the like for the charge within the furnace
    • F27D5/0006—Composite supporting structures
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D3/00—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials
    • G04D3/0002—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe
    • G04D3/0061—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components for protecting the mechanism against external influences
    • G04D3/0064—Watchmakers' or watch-repairers' machines or tools for working materials for mechanical working other than with a lathe for components for protecting the mechanism against external influences for cases
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04D—APPARATUS OR TOOLS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR MAKING OR MAINTAINING CLOCKS OR WATCHES
    • G04D1/00—Gripping, holding, or supporting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
    • B22F3/10—Sintering only
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F5/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
    • B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
    • B28B11/00—Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles
    • B28B11/24—Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles for curing, setting or hardening
    • B28B11/243—Setting, e.g. drying, dehydrating or firing ceramic articles
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B35/00—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products
    • C04B35/01—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxide ceramics
    • C04B35/10—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxide ceramics based on aluminium oxide
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B35/00—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products
    • C04B35/01—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxide ceramics
    • C04B35/10—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxide ceramics based on aluminium oxide
    • C04B35/111—Fine ceramics
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C04—CEMENTS; CONCRETE; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES
    • C04B—LIME, MAGNESIA; SLAG; CEMENTS; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF, e.g. MORTARS, CONCRETE OR LIKE BUILDING MATERIALS; ARTIFICIAL STONE; CERAMICS; REFRACTORIES; TREATMENT OF NATURAL STONE
    • C04B35/00—Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition; Ceramics compositions; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products
    • C04B35/622—Forming processes; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products
    • C04B35/64—Burning or sintering processes
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C21—METALLURGY OF IRON
    • C21D—MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS; GENERAL DEVICES FOR HEAT TREATMENT OF FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS METALS OR ALLOYS; MAKING METAL MALLEABLE, e.g. BY DECARBURISATION OR TEMPERING
    • C21D9/00—Heat treatment, e.g. annealing, hardening, quenching or tempering, adapted for particular articles; Furnaces therefor
    • C21D9/0006—Details, accessories not peculiar to any of the following furnaces
    • C21D9/0025—Supports; Baskets; Containers; Covers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B19/00—Indicating the time by visual means
    • G04B19/06—Dials
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B29/00—Frameworks
    • G04B29/02—Plates; Bridges; Cocks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
    • A44C—PERSONAL ADORNMENTS, e.g. JEWELLERY; COINS
    • A44C27/00—Making jewellery or other personal adornments
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22F—WORKING METALLIC POWDER; MANUFACTURE OF ARTICLES FROM METALLIC POWDER; MAKING METALLIC POWDER; APPARATUS OR DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR METALLIC POWDER
    • B22F3/00—Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sintering; Apparatus specially adapted therefor ; Presses and furnaces
    • B22F3/10—Sintering only
    • B22F2003/1042—Sintering only with support for articles to be sintered
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04B—MECHANICALLY-DRIVEN CLOCKS OR WATCHES; MECHANICAL PARTS OF CLOCKS OR WATCHES IN GENERAL; TIME PIECES USING THE POSITION OF THE SUN, MOON OR STARS
    • G04B37/00—Cases
    • G04B37/22—Materials or processes of manufacturing pocket watch or wrist watch cases
    • G04B37/225—Non-metallic cases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a support for a method of sintering a body, in particular for watchmaking.
  • the invention also relates to a sintering process using such a support.
  • the invention will find an application in the manufacture of a casing component intended, preferably but not limitingly, to the field of watchmaking.
  • a component may for example be a watch bezel intended to be attached to a watch case, a bracelet link, a dial, a watch case, a clasp element.
  • the invention will also find an application in the manufacture of trim components used in the fields, in a non-exhaustive manner, of mobile and cellular telephony, computer terminals, in particular portable ones, for example to form shells of mobile telephones or tablets , or even in the field of jewelry or tableware.
  • the invention relates in particular to elements made of hard materials, namely resistant to shocks and scratches. These hard materials may in particular be of technical ceramic types.
  • each element can be made of zirconium dioxide or "zirconia", of aluminum dioxide or "alumina”, or even of a composite material integrating a ceramic support and a metal matrix or "cermet".
  • Each element of the covering component of the invention can also be made of synthetic sapphire or ruby.
  • This last step is intended to sinter the green body to form a ceramic body.
  • the sintering step may include pyrolysis, for example by thermal debinding.
  • the body undergoes a decrease in volume due to a shrinkage coefficient due to the evaporation of the binder and the agglomeration of the powder.
  • the disadvantage of this method is that the body can deform during retraction. When it retracts, for example, the body can lose its shape due to gravity. Also, depending on the material used to form the part, the coefficient of shrinkage changes.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, and aims to provide a support for a part for a sintering step avoiding the aforementioned problems.
  • the invention relates to a support for a sintering step of a process for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking, from a green body having an initial shape, the body undergoing shrinkage from the initial shape to a final shape during the sintering step, the support having at least one face supporting the body during the sintering step.
  • the support is remarkable in that the support face has a geometry in relief configured to support the body from its initial shape to its final shape, so that it keeps its shape and its proportions with a shrinkage coefficient linked to sintering.
  • the support makes it possible to keep the proportions of the initial shape of the body and prevents the body from deforming during the sintering step.
  • it makes it possible to be used for bodies formed from various ceramic materials, which have different shrinkage coefficients from each other.
  • the support face comprises at least two parts each arranged on two different levels, each part being in contact with the body during sintering.
  • a part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape.
  • the two parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.
  • the support face comprises a central part and two side parts.
  • the support face has a roughness index Ra greater than 1, preferably greater than 3, or even greater than 4, to allow the sliding of the body during retraction.
  • the central part is raised relative to the side parts.
  • the central part forms a bottom, the side parts being raised relative to the central part.
  • the side parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.
  • the central part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape.
  • the central part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and in its initial shape.
  • the support face is configured to be arranged with respect to the axis of gravity to avoid the risk of deformation caused by gravity.
  • the relief of the support is configured to accompany the retraction of the body throughout throughout the sintering stage and maintain its proportions as it shrinks.
  • the support comprises a powder applied to the support face to allow the sliding of the body during retraction.
  • the invention relates to a part support for a sintering step of a method for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking.
  • the sintering step consists of sintering a green body having an initial shape. During sintering, the body undergoes a retraction which gives it a final shape with a coefficient of retraction compared to the initial shape.
  • the initial shape has proportions which correspond to the shape of the part which it is desired to obtain after the sintering step.
  • a support having at least one face for supporting the body during the sintering step, the support face having a geometry in relief.
  • the relief is configured to support the body in its initial shape and in its final shape, so that the body keeps its proportions with a coefficient of retraction.
  • the relief of the support makes it possible to accompany the retraction of the body throughout the sintering step to keep the shape of the body while it is retracting, and this regardless of the material chosen.
  • the support is preferably one-piece and comprises, for example, Al 2 O 3 , preferably entirely.
  • the green body is for example made of ceramic or metal.
  • the support face includes a sliding part, on which the body can move when retracting.
  • the support face has a roughness index Ra greater than 1, preferably greater than 3, or even greater than 4.
  • a powder spray is applied to the support face to allow the body to slide during retraction.
  • the support face is determined to be arranged with respect to the axis of gravity to avoid the risk of deformation caused by gravity.
  • the support face comprises at least two parts each arranged on two different levels, each part being in contact with the body during sintering.
  • different levels is meant the fact that one part is higher or lower than the other in the relief of the support face.
  • one of the parts is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape.
  • the two parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.
  • the support face of the support of the figure 1 comprises a central part 3 and two side parts 4, 5.
  • the side parts preferably have a roughness index allowing sliding.
  • the central part preferably also has such a roughness.
  • the central part 3 is substantially horizontal and is raised relative to the side parts 4, 5, which slope gently from the central part 3.
  • the junctions of the central part 3 and the side parts 4, 5 form a step.
  • the central and lateral parts have dimensions chosen to allow the retraction of the body, whatever the material selected.
  • the green body is for example intended to form an element of a bracelet buckle, and comprises a thick portion 6 in the center and two thin portions 7, 8 on either side to form a one-piece body.
  • the thin portions 7, 8 are curved downwards going below the level of the central portion 6.
  • the green body is placed on the support, so that the thick portion 6 rests on the central part 3 of the support surface , and that the thin portions 7, 8 each rest on a side part 4, 5 of the support face.
  • the body shrinks to its final shape, shown in the figure 2 .
  • the volume of the final body is less than the volume of the initial green body because of the retraction, but the proportions and the shape of the body 2 are substantially retained.
  • the ends of the thin portions 7, 8 of the body 2 are closer to the central part 3 than to the side parts 4, 5.
  • the body does not deform during sintering.
  • the relief of the support face opposes the deformation of the body caused by gravity.
  • the support is configured to orient the support face perpendicular to the direction of gravity.
  • the second embodiment of the support for the figures 3 and 4 shows a support 10 for a sintering of a loop placed in the other direction with respect to the support 1 of the picture 1 or 2 .
  • the support 10 comprises a support surface provided with a central part 13 forming a bottom and two side parts 14, 15 raised.
  • the green body 2 is identical to that of the first embodiment, but it rests upside down on the support. Thus, the ends of the thin portions 7, 8 are higher than the thick portion 6.
  • the side parts 14, 15 are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.
  • the body 2 is supported by the thin portions 7, 8 in contact with the side parts 14,15 of the support face.
  • the thick portion 6 is suspended in the initial shape of the body.
  • the retracted body 2 After the sintering step, shown in the figure 4 , the retracted body 2 has a reduced volume. Thus, the thick portion 6 rests on the central part 13 of the support face. In this embodiment, the central part 13 is intended to be in contact with the body 2 in its final shape and not in its initial shape.
  • the relief of the support face is configured to correspond at least in part to the final shape of the body 2 on its lower side.
  • Each side part 14, 15 forms an oblique angle with the central part, the angle corresponding to the angle formed by a thin portion 7, 8 with the thick portion 6 of the shape of the body 2.
  • a third embodiment of a support 20 whose central part 23 is domed or convex, and on which rests a body 12 in its final shape.
  • the body 12 is a bracelet part 16 provided with a loop 17 and a thick end 18, which is in its final shape retracted on the figure 5 .
  • the support 20 comprises a first lateral part 14 raised, to retain the loop 17 in the initial shape of the body 12.
  • the support 20 comprises a second lateral part 25 stepped downwards with respect to the central part 23.
  • the thick end 18 of the bracelet rests on this second side part 25 in its initial shape and in its final shape. After shrinking into its final shape, the thick end 18 touches against the step defined by the step between the central part 23 and the second side part 25.
  • the support 30 is configured to allow the formation of elongated straight wires 22, shown in the figure 6 .
  • the initial green body has an elongated wire shape, which is desired to be maintained after sintering, and which are very difficult to maintain without support.
  • the support of the figure 7 comprises a plurality of gutters 31 to hold the wires 22 during sintering, each gutter being intended for a wire.
  • the wire-like green bodies are arranged in the gutters 31 to prevent their deformation during sintering.
  • Each gutter is provided with a central part forming the bottom of the gutter and two raised side parts forming the edges of the gutter. The side parts diverge from the central part.
  • the figures 8 and 9 show a first profile of gutters according to a first variant, the body 22 being in its initial shape on the figure 8 and in its final form on the figure 9 .
  • the wire 22 rests on the two side parts 34, 35 before the sintering step.
  • the thread does not rest not on the central part 33 of the support face in its initial shape.
  • the width of the wire 22 is greater than the width of the central part 33.
  • body 22 shrinks into a final body shape, here an elongated wire. After retraction of the wire, its width is smaller than the distance between the two lateral parts, so that it slides in the gutter, until it comes into contact with the central part 33 of the support face, as shown the figure 9 .
  • the figures 10 and 11 show variants of gutters 41, 51 of supports 40, 50, the gutters 41, 51 having other profiles.
  • the gutters 41 of the figure 10 have a flared shape, for example with an angle of at least 80°, or even at least 100°, and a rounded bottom 43.
  • the cylindrical body 32 rests on the side parts 44, 45, and in its final shape, the body 32 rests on the rounded bottom 43.
  • the cylindrical shape of the wire is retained during the sintering step.
  • the gutters 51 have a shape with an inclined bottom.
  • the invention also relates to a method for sintering a green body, in particular for watchmaking, the green body having an initial shape.
  • the method comprises a first step in which the green body is placed on a support provided with a support face in relief according to the invention, so that the green body is at least partly in contact with a first part of the face support support.
  • the invention comprises a second step in which the green body is sintered on the support, so that it shrinks from its initial shape to a final shape.
  • the body is at least in part in contact with a second part of the support face of the support, the second part being different from the first.
  • the first and the second part can be oriented differently from each other, in particular with respect to gravity.
  • the body slides on the support from its initial shape to its final shape during the second stage.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
  • Metallurgy (AREA)
  • Powder Metallurgy (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un support pour une étape de frittage d'un procédé de réalisation d'une pièce, notamment pour l'horlogerie, à partir d'un corps (2) vert présentant une forme initiale, le corps (2) subissant une rétractation de la forme initiale à une forme finale pendant l'étape de frittage, le support (1) présentant au moins une face de soutien (9) du corps (2) pendant l'étape de frittage, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien (9) présente une géométrie en relief configurée pour soutenir le corps (2) de sa forme initiale à sa forme finale, afin qu'il garde sa forme et ses proportions avec un coefficient de rétractation lié au frittage.L'invention se rapporte aussi à un procédé de frittage utilisant ce support.The invention relates to a support for a sintering step of a process for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking, from a green body (2) having an initial shape, the body (2) undergoing a retraction from the initial shape to a final shape during the sintering step, the support (1) having at least one support face (9) of the body (2) during the sintering step, characterized in that the support face (9) has a geometry in relief configured to support the body (2) from its initial shape to its final shape, so that it keeps its shape and its proportions with a shrinkage coefficient linked to sintering. also relates to a sintering process using this support.

Description

Domaine technique de l'inventionTechnical field of the invention

L'invention se rapporte à un support pour un procédé de frittage d'un corps, notamment pour l'horlogerie.The invention relates to a support for a method of sintering a body, in particular for watchmaking.

L'invention se rapporte également à procédé de frittage utilisant un tel support.The invention also relates to a sintering process using such a support.

Arrière-plan technologiqueTechnology background

L'invention trouvera une application dans la fabrication d'un composant d'habillage destiné, préférentiellement mais non limitativement, au domaine de l'horlogerie. Un tel composant peut être par exemple une lunette de montre destinée à être rapportée sur une boite de montre, un maillon de bracelet, un cadran, une boite de montre, un élément de fermoir.The invention will find an application in the manufacture of a casing component intended, preferably but not limitingly, to the field of watchmaking. Such a component may for example be a watch bezel intended to be attached to a watch case, a bracelet link, a dial, a watch case, a clasp element.

L'invention trouvera aussi une application dans la fabrication de composants d'habillage utilisés dans les domaines, de façon non exhaustive, de la téléphonie mobile et cellulaire, des terminaux informatiques notamment portables, par exemple pour former des coques de téléphones portables ou de tablettes, ou encore dans le domaine de la joaillerie ou bien de l'art de la table.The invention will also find an application in the manufacture of trim components used in the fields, in a non-exhaustive manner, of mobile and cellular telephony, computer terminals, in particular portable ones, for example to form shells of mobile telephones or tablets , or even in the field of jewelry or tableware.

L'invention vise notamment des éléments constitués en des matériaux durs, à savoir résistants aux chocs et aux rayures. Ces matériaux durs peuvent être notamment de types céramiques techniques. En outre, chaque élément peut être constitué en dioxyde de zirconium ou « zircone », en dioxyde d'aluminium ou « alumine », en encore en un matériau composite intégrant un support en céramiques et une matrice métallique ou « cermet ». Chaque élément du composant d'habillage de l'invention peut aussi être constitué en saphir ou rubis synthétique.The invention relates in particular to elements made of hard materials, namely resistant to shocks and scratches. These hard materials may in particular be of technical ceramic types. In addition, each element can be made of zirconium dioxide or "zirconia", of aluminum dioxide or "alumina", or even of a composite material integrating a ceramic support and a metal matrix or "cermet". Each element of the covering component of the invention can also be made of synthetic sapphire or ruby.

Pour fabriquer ces pièces, on utilise un procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • réalisation d'un précurseur à partir d'un mélange d'au moins un matériau en poudre avec un liant ;
  • formation d'un corps vert par injection par injection dans un moule ou par pressage,
  • frittage dudit corps vert afin de le durcir et d'obtenir la pièce souhaitée;
To manufacture these parts, a process is used comprising the following steps:
  • production of a precursor from a mixture of at least one powdered material with a binder;
  • formation of a green body by injection by injection into a mold or by pressing,
  • sintering said green body in order to harden it and obtain the desired part;

Cette dernière étape est destinée à fritter le corps vert afin de former un corps en céramique. Préférentiellement selon l'invention, l'étape de frittage peut comporter une pyrolyse, par exemple par un déliantage thermique.This last step is intended to sinter the green body to form a ceramic body. Preferably according to the invention, the sintering step may include pyrolysis, for example by thermal debinding.

Pendant l'étape de frittage, le corps subit une diminution du volume compte tenu d'un coefficient de rétractation dû à l'évaporation du liant et à l'agglomération de la poudre.During the sintering step, the body undergoes a decrease in volume due to a shrinkage coefficient due to the evaporation of the binder and the agglomeration of the powder.

Cependant, l'inconvénient de ce procédé est que le corps peut se déformer pendant la rétractation. Lorsqu'il se rétracte, le corps peut par exemple perdre sa forme à cause de la gravité. En outre, selon le matériau utilisé pour former la pièce, le coefficient de rétractation change.However, the disadvantage of this method is that the body can deform during retraction. When it retracts, for example, the body can lose its shape due to gravity. Also, depending on the material used to form the part, the coefficient of shrinkage changes.

Ainsi, il est généralement nécessaire d'ajouter une étape d'usinage de la pièce pour finaliser la pièce définitive. Par conséquent, le procédé est allongé et l'on perd de la matière qu'il faut ajouter pour s'assurer des dimensions finales nécessaires.Thus, it is generally necessary to add a part machining step to finalize the final part. Consequently, the process is lengthened and material is lost which must be added to ensure the necessary final dimensions.

Un autre inconvénient vient de la nature du matériau utilisé pour le corps. Selon le matériau choisi, le coefficient de rétractation n'est pas le même. Ainsi, si l'on fabrique la même pièce avec des matériaux différents, il faut prévoir de dimensionner le corps vert différemment pour obtenir un corps final identique. Ceci ajoute de la complexité à l'étape de frittage, et la nécessité d'ajouter une étape d'usinage pour dimensionner le corps final, ainsi que des risques de déformation supplémentaire.Another disadvantage comes from the nature of the material used for the body. Depending on the material chosen, the shrinkage coefficient is not the same. Thus, if the same part is manufactured with different materials, provision must be made to dimension the green body differently to obtain an identical final body. This adds complexity to the sintering step, and the need to add a machining step to size the final body, as well as risks of additional deformation.

Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention

L'invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients précités, et vise à fournir un support de pièce pour une étape de frittage évitant les problèmes précités.The object of the invention is to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, and aims to provide a support for a part for a sintering step avoiding the aforementioned problems.

A cette fin, l'invention se rapporte à un support pour une étape de frittage d'un procédé de réalisation d'une pièce, notamment pour l'horlogerie, à partir d'un corps vert présentant une forme initiale, le corps subissant une rétractation de la forme initiale à une forme finale pendant l'étape de frittage, le support présentant au moins une face de soutien du corps pendant l'étape de frittage.To this end, the invention relates to a support for a sintering step of a process for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking, from a green body having an initial shape, the body undergoing shrinkage from the initial shape to a final shape during the sintering step, the support having at least one face supporting the body during the sintering step.

Le support est remarquable en ce que la face de soutien présente une géométrie en relief configurée pour soutenir le corps de sa forme initiale à sa forme finale, afin qu'il garde sa forme et ses proportions avec un coefficient de rétractation lié au frittage.The support is remarkable in that the support face has a geometry in relief configured to support the body from its initial shape to its final shape, so that it keeps its shape and its proportions with a shrinkage coefficient linked to sintering.

Ainsi, d'une part le support permet de garder les proportions de la forme initiale du corps et évite que le corps ne se déforme pendant l'étape de frittage. D'autre part, il permet d'être utilisé pour des corps formés de matériaux en céramique divers, qui ont des coefficients de rétractions différents les uns des autres.Thus, on the one hand, the support makes it possible to keep the proportions of the initial shape of the body and prevents the body from deforming during the sintering step. On the other hand, it makes it possible to be used for bodies formed from various ceramic materials, which have different shrinkage coefficients from each other.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la face de soutien comprend au moins deux parties agencées chacune sur deux niveaux différents, chaque partie étant en contact avec le corps au cours du frittage.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support face comprises at least two parts each arranged on two different levels, each part being in contact with the body during sintering.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, une partie est destinée à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, a part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les deux parties sont destinées à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the two parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la face de soutien comprend une partie centrale et deux parties latérales.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support face comprises a central part and two side parts.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la face de soutien a une rugosité d'indice Ra supérieur à 1, de préférence supérieur à 3, voire supérieure à 4, pour permettre le glissement du corps pendant la rétractation.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support face has a roughness index Ra greater than 1, preferably greater than 3, or even greater than 4, to allow the sliding of the body during retraction.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la partie centrale est surélevée par rapport aux parties latérales.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the central part is raised relative to the side parts.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la partie centrale forme un fond, les parties latérales étant relevées par rapport à la partie centrale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the central part forms a bottom, the side parts being raised relative to the central part.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, les parties latérales sont destinées à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the side parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la partie centrale est destinée à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the central part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la partie centrale est destinée à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme finale et dans sa forme initiale.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the central part is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and in its initial shape.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, la face de soutien est configurée pour être agencée par rapport à l'axe de la gravité pour éviter le risque de déformation engendrée par la gravité.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support face is configured to be arranged with respect to the axis of gravity to avoid the risk of deformation caused by gravity.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, le relief du support est configuré pour accompagner la rétractation du corps tout au long de l'étape de frittage et conserver ses proportions pendant qu'il se rétracte.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the relief of the support is configured to accompany the retraction of the body throughout throughout the sintering stage and maintain its proportions as it shrinks.

Selon une forme de réalisation particulière de l'invention, le support comprend une poudre appliquée sur la face de soutien pour permettre le glissement du corps pendant la rétractation.According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the support comprises a powder applied to the support face to allow the sliding of the body during retraction.

L'invention se rapporte également à un procédé de frittage d'un corps vert, notamment pour l'horlogerie, le corps vert présentant une forme initiale, le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes :

  • disposer le corps vert sur un support selon l'invention, de sorte que le corps vert soit au moins en partie en contact avec une première partie de la face de soutien du support,
  • fritter le corps vert sur le support de manière à ce qu'il se rétracte de sa forme initiale à une forme finale, le corps obtenu étant au moins en partie en contact avec une seconde partie de la face de soutien du support, la seconde partie étant différente de la première.
The invention also relates to a method for sintering a green body, in particular for watchmaking, the green body having an initial shape, the method comprising the following steps:
  • arrange the green body on a support according to the invention, so that the green body is at least partly in contact with a first part of the support face of the support,
  • sintering the green body on the support so that it shrinks from its initial shape to a final shape, the body obtained being at least partly in contact with a second part of the support face of the support, the second part being different from the first.

Brève description des figuresBrief description of figures

D'autres particularités et avantages ressortiront clairement de la description qui en est faite ci-après, à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un corps dans sa forme initiale avant l'étape de frittage, le corps étant agencé sur un support selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une représentation schématique d'un corps dans sa forme finale après l'étape de frittage, le corps étant agencé sur le support du premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 est une représentation schématique d'un corps dans sa forme initiale avant l'étape de frittage, le corps étant agencé sur un support selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention;
  • la figure 4 est une représentation schématique d'un corps dans sa forme finale après l'étape de frittage, le corps étant agencé sur le support du deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une représentation schématique d'un corps dans sa forme finale après l'étape de frittage, le corps étant agencé sur un support selon un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 est une représentation schématique d'un corps en forme de fils ;
  • la figure 7 est une représentation schématique d'un support selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention, le support permettant la réalisation des fils de la figure 6 ;
  • la figure 8 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe d'une partie du support de la figure 7, et d'un fil dans sa forme initiale ;
  • la figure 9 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe d'une partie du support de la figure 7, et d'un fil dans sa forme finale ;
  • la figure 10 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe d'une première variante d'une partie du support de la figure 7, et d'un fil dans sa forme finale ;
  • la figure 11 est une représentation schématique d'une vue en coupe d'une deuxième variante d'une partie du support de la figure 7.
Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description given below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 is a schematic representation of a body in its initial shape before the sintering step, the body being arranged on a support according to a first embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 is a schematic representation of a body in its final form after the sintering step, the body being arranged on the support of the first embodiment of the invention;
  • the picture 3 is a schematic representation of a body in its initial shape before the sintering step, the body being arranged on a support according to a second embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 4 is a schematic representation of a body in its final form after the sintering step, the body being arranged on the support of the second embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 5 is a schematic representation of a body in its final form after the sintering step, the body being arranged on a support according to a third embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 6 is a schematic representation of a wire-like body;
  • the figure 7 is a schematic representation of a support according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, the support allowing the production of the wires of the figure 6 ;
  • the figure 8 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of part of the support of the figure 7 , and a thread in its original form;
  • the figure 9 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of part of the support of the figure 7 , and a wire in its final form;
  • the figure 10 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a first variant of a part of the support of the figure 7 , and a wire in its final form;
  • the figure 11 is a schematic representation of a sectional view of a second variant of a part of the support of the figure 7 .

Description détaillée de l'inventionDetailed description of the invention

Comme expliqué ci-dessus, l'invention se rapporte à un support de pièce pour une étape de frittage d'un procédé de réalisation d'une pièce, notamment pour l'horlogerie. L'étape de frittage consiste à fritter un corps vert présentant une forme initiale. Pendant le frittage, le corps subit une rétractation qui lui donne une forme finale avec un coefficient de rétractation par rapport à la forme initiale. Généralement, la forme initiale a des proportions qui correspondent à la forme de la pièce que l'on souhaite obtenir après l'étape de frittage.As explained above, the invention relates to a part support for a sintering step of a method for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking. The sintering step consists of sintering a green body having an initial shape. During sintering, the body undergoes a retraction which gives it a final shape with a coefficient of retraction compared to the initial shape. Generally, the initial shape has proportions which correspond to the shape of the part which it is desired to obtain after the sintering step.

Pour conserver cette forme, on utilise un support présentant au moins une face de soutien du corps pendant l'étape de frittage, la face de soutien présentant une géométrie en relief. Le relief est configuré pour soutenir le corps dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale, de sorte que le corps garde ses proportions avec un coefficient de rétractation. Le relief du support permet d'accompagner la rétractation du corps tout au long de l'étape de frittage pour garder la forme du corps pendant qu'il se rétracte, et ce quel que soit le matériau choisi.To maintain this shape, a support is used having at least one face for supporting the body during the sintering step, the support face having a geometry in relief. The relief is configured to support the body in its initial shape and in its final shape, so that the body keeps its proportions with a coefficient of retraction. The relief of the support makes it possible to accompany the retraction of the body throughout the sintering step to keep the shape of the body while it is retracting, and this regardless of the material chosen.

Le support est de préférence monobloc et comprend, par exemple, de l'Al2O3, de préférence en totalité. Le corps vert est par exemple en céramique ou en métal.The support is preferably one-piece and comprises, for example, Al 2 O 3 , preferably entirely. The green body is for example made of ceramic or metal.

La face de soutien comprend une partie de glissement, sur laquelle le corps peut se déplacer lorsqu'il se rétracte. Pour cela, la face de soutien a une rugosité d'indice Ra supérieur à 1, de préférence supérieur à 3, voire supérieur à 4.The support face includes a sliding part, on which the body can move when retracting. For this, the support face has a roughness index Ra greater than 1, preferably greater than 3, or even greater than 4.

Alternativement, un spray de poudre est appliqué sur la face de soutien pour permettre le glissement du corps pendant la rétractation.Alternatively, a powder spray is applied to the support face to allow the body to slide during retraction.

De préférence, la face de soutien est déterminée pour être agencée par rapport à l'axe de la gravité pour éviter le risque de déformation engendrée par la gravité.Preferably, the support face is determined to be arranged with respect to the axis of gravity to avoid the risk of deformation caused by gravity.

La face de soutien comprend au moins deux parties agencées chacune sur deux niveaux différents, chaque partie étant en contact avec le corps au cours du frittage. On entend par niveaux différents, le fait qu'une partie est plus haute ou plus basse que l'autre dans le relief de la face de soutien.The support face comprises at least two parts each arranged on two different levels, each part being in contact with the body during sintering. By different levels is meant the fact that one part is higher or lower than the other in the relief of the support face.

Selon la variante de réalisation, l'une des parties est destinée à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale. Alternativement, les deux parties sont destinées à être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale.According to the variant embodiment, one of the parts is intended to be in contact with the body in its final shape and not in its initial shape. Alternatively, the two parts are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape.

Dans les figures suivantes, différents modes de réalisation de supports sont exposés.In the following figures, different embodiments of supports are exposed.

La face de soutien du support de la figure 1, comprend une partie centrale 3 et deux parties latérales 4, 5. Les parties latérales ont de préférence un indice de rugosité permettant le glissement. La partie centrale a de préférence également une telle rugosité. La partie centrale 3 est sensiblement horizontale et est surélevée par rapport aux parties latérales 4, 5, qui descendent en pente douce depuis la partie centrale 3. Les jonctions de la partie centrale 3 et des parties latérales 4, 5 forment une marche. Les parties centrales et latérales ont des dimensions choisies pour permettre la rétractation du corps, quel que soit le matériau sélectionné.The support face of the support of the figure 1 , comprises a central part 3 and two side parts 4, 5. The side parts preferably have a roughness index allowing sliding. The central part preferably also has such a roughness. The central part 3 is substantially horizontal and is raised relative to the side parts 4, 5, which slope gently from the central part 3. The junctions of the central part 3 and the side parts 4, 5 form a step. The central and lateral parts have dimensions chosen to allow the retraction of the body, whatever the material selected.

Le corps vert est par exemple destiné à former un élément d'un boucle d'un bracelet, et comprend une portion épaisse 6 au centre et deux portions fines 7, 8 de part et d'autre pour former un corps monobloc. Les portions fines 7, 8 sont recourbées vers le bas en descendant en dessous du niveau de la portion centrale 6. Le corps vert est disposé sur le support, de sorte que la portion épaisse 6 repose sur la partie centrale 3 de la face de soutien, et que les portions fines 7, 8 reposent chacune sur une partie latérale 4, 5 de la face de soutien.The green body is for example intended to form an element of a bracelet buckle, and comprises a thick portion 6 in the center and two thin portions 7, 8 on either side to form a one-piece body. The thin portions 7, 8 are curved downwards going below the level of the central portion 6. The green body is placed on the support, so that the thick portion 6 rests on the central part 3 of the support surface , and that the thin portions 7, 8 each rest on a side part 4, 5 of the support face.

Pendant l'étape de frittage, le corps se rétracte jusqu'à sa forme finale, représentée sur la figure 2. Le volume du corps final est moindre que le volume du corps vert initial à cause de la rétractation, mais les proportions et la forme du corps 2 sont sensiblement conservées. Les extrémités des portions fines 7, 8 du corps 2 sont plus proches de la partie centrale 3 que des parties latérales 4, 5.During the sintering step, the body shrinks to its final shape, shown in the figure 2 . The volume of the final body is less than the volume of the initial green body because of the retraction, but the proportions and the shape of the body 2 are substantially retained. The ends of the thin portions 7, 8 of the body 2 are closer to the central part 3 than to the side parts 4, 5.

Grâce au support, le corps ne se déforme pas pendant le frittage. Le relief de la face de soutien s'oppose à la déformation du corps provoqué par la gravité. Pour cela, le support est configuré pour orienter la face de soutien perpendiculairement au sens de la gravité.Thanks to the support, the body does not deform during sintering. The relief of the support face opposes the deformation of the body caused by gravity. For this, the support is configured to orient the support face perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

Le deuxième mode de réalisation du support des figure 3 et 4 montre un support 10 pour une le frittage d'une boucle posée dans l'autre sens par rapport au support 1 de la figure 1 ou 2.The second embodiment of the support for the figures 3 and 4 shows a support 10 for a sintering of a loop placed in the other direction with respect to the support 1 of the picture 1 or 2 .

Le support 10 comprend une face de soutien munie d'une partie centrale 13 formant un fond et deux parties latérales 14, 15 relevées. Le corps 2 vert est identique à celui du premier mode de réalisation, mais il repose à l'envers sur le support. Ainsi, les extrémités des portions fines 7, 8 sont plus hautes que la portion épaisse 6.The support 10 comprises a support surface provided with a central part 13 forming a bottom and two side parts 14, 15 raised. The green body 2 is identical to that of the first embodiment, but it rests upside down on the support. Thus, the ends of the thin portions 7, 8 are higher than the thick portion 6.

Les parties latérales 14, 15 sont destinées être en contact avec le corps dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale. Ainsi, le corps 2 est soutenu grâce aux portions fines 7, 8 en contact avec les parties latérales 14,15 de la face de soutien. La portion épaisse 6 est en suspension dans la forme initiale du corps.The side parts 14, 15 are intended to be in contact with the body in its initial shape and in its final shape. Thus, the body 2 is supported by the thin portions 7, 8 in contact with the side parts 14,15 of the support face. The thick portion 6 is suspended in the initial shape of the body.

Après l'étape de frittage, représenté sur la figure 4, le corps 2 rétracté a un volume diminué. Ainsi, la portion épaisse 6 repose sur la partie centrale 13 de la face de soutien. Dans ce mode de réalisation, la partie centrale 13 est destinée à être en contact avec le corps 2 dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale.After the sintering step, shown in the figure 4 , the retracted body 2 has a reduced volume. Thus, the thick portion 6 rests on the central part 13 of the support face. In this embodiment, the central part 13 is intended to be in contact with the body 2 in its final shape and not in its initial shape.

Le relief de la face de soutien est configuré pour correspondre au moins en partie à la forme finale du corps 2 sur son côté inférieur. Chaque partie latérale 14, 15 forme un angle oblique avec la partie centrale, l'angle correspondant à l'angle formée par une portion fine 7, 8 avec la portion épaisse 6 de la forme du corps 2.The relief of the support face is configured to correspond at least in part to the final shape of the body 2 on its lower side. Each side part 14, 15 forms an oblique angle with the central part, the angle corresponding to the angle formed by a thin portion 7, 8 with the thick portion 6 of the shape of the body 2.

Sur la figure 5, un troisième mode de réalisation d'un support 20 dont la partie centrale 23 est bombée ou convexe, et sur laquelle repose un corps 12 dans sa forme finale. Le corps 12 est une partie de bracelet 16 muni d'une boucle 17 et d'une extrémité épaisse 18, qui est dans sa forme finale rétractée sur la figure 5. Le support 20 comprend une première partie latérale 14 relevée, pour retenir la boucle 17 dans la forme initiale du corps 12. Le support 20 comprend une deuxième partie latérale 25 étagée vers bas par rapport à la partie centrale 23. L'extrémité épaisse 18 du bracelet repose sur cette deuxième partie latérale 25 dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale. Après rétractation dans sa forme finale, l'extrémité épaisse 18 touche contre la marche définie par l'étagement entre la partie centrale 23 et la deuxième partie latérale 25.On the figure 5 , a third embodiment of a support 20 whose central part 23 is domed or convex, and on which rests a body 12 in its final shape. The body 12 is a bracelet part 16 provided with a loop 17 and a thick end 18, which is in its final shape retracted on the figure 5 . The support 20 comprises a first lateral part 14 raised, to retain the loop 17 in the initial shape of the body 12. The support 20 comprises a second lateral part 25 stepped downwards with respect to the central part 23. The thick end 18 of the bracelet rests on this second side part 25 in its initial shape and in its final shape. After shrinking into its final shape, the thick end 18 touches against the step defined by the step between the central part 23 and the second side part 25.

Dans le quatrième mode de réalisation de la figure 7, le support 30 est configuré pour permettre la formation de fils droits allongés 22, représentée sur la figure 6. Le corps vert initial a une forme de fil allongé, que l'on souhaite conserver après le frittage, et qui sont très difficiles à conserver sans support.In the fourth embodiment of the figure 7 , the support 30 is configured to allow the formation of elongated straight wires 22, shown in the figure 6 . The initial green body has an elongated wire shape, which is desired to be maintained after sintering, and which are very difficult to maintain without support.

Le support de la figure 7 comprend une pluralité de gouttières 31 pour maintenir les fils 22 pendant le frittage, chaque gouttière étant destiné à un fil. Les corps verts en forme de fils sont disposés dans les gouttières 31 pour empêcher leur déformation pendant le frittage.The support of the figure 7 comprises a plurality of gutters 31 to hold the wires 22 during sintering, each gutter being intended for a wire. The wire-like green bodies are arranged in the gutters 31 to prevent their deformation during sintering.

Chaque gouttière est munie d'une partie centrale formant le fond de la gouttière et de deux parties latérales relevées formant les bords de la gouttière. Les parties latérales s'écartent depuis la partie centrale.Each gutter is provided with a central part forming the bottom of the gutter and two raised side parts forming the edges of the gutter. The side parts diverge from the central part.

Les figures 8 et 9 montrent un premier profil de gouttières selon une première variante, le corps 22 étant dans sa forme initiale sur la figure 8 et dans sa forme finale sur la figure 9. Sur la figure 8, le fil 22 repose sur les deux parties latérales 34, 35 avant l'étape de frittage. Ainsi, le fil ne repose pas sur la partie centrale 33 de la face de soutien dans sa forme initiale. La largeur du fil 22 est plus grande que la largeur de la partie centrale 33.The figures 8 and 9 show a first profile of gutters according to a first variant, the body 22 being in its initial shape on the figure 8 and in its final form on the figure 9 . On the figure 8 , the wire 22 rests on the two side parts 34, 35 before the sintering step. Thus, the thread does not rest not on the central part 33 of the support face in its initial shape. The width of the wire 22 is greater than the width of the central part 33.

Pendant le frittage, le corps 22 se rétracte pour aboutir à une forme finale du corps, ici un fil allongé. Après rétractation du fil, sa largeur est plus petite que la distance entre les deux parties latérales, de sorte qu'il glisse au dans la gouttière, jusqu'à être en contact avec la partie centrale 33 de la face de soutien, comme le montre la figure 9.During sintering, body 22 shrinks into a final body shape, here an elongated wire. After retraction of the wire, its width is smaller than the distance between the two lateral parts, so that it slides in the gutter, until it comes into contact with the central part 33 of the support face, as shown the figure 9 .

Grâce au relief de la face de soutien de chaque gouttière du support, le fil reste droit et ne se déforme pas.Thanks to the relief of the support face of each gutter of the support, the wire remains straight and does not deform.

Les figures 10 et 11 montrent des variantes de gouttières 41, 51 de supports 40, 50, les gouttières 41, 51 ayant d'autres profils.The figures 10 and 11 show variants of gutters 41, 51 of supports 40, 50, the gutters 41, 51 having other profiles.

Les gouttières 41 de la figure 10 ont une forme évasée, par exemple avec un angle d'au moins 80°, voire d'au moins 100°, et un fond arrondi 43. Dans sa forme initiale, le corps cylindrique 32 repose sur les parties latérales 44, 45, et dans sa forme finale, le corps 32 repose sur le fond arrondi 43. Ainsi, on conserve la forme cylindrique du fil pendant l'étape de frittage.The gutters 41 of the figure 10 have a flared shape, for example with an angle of at least 80°, or even at least 100°, and a rounded bottom 43. In its initial shape, the cylindrical body 32 rests on the side parts 44, 45, and in its final shape, the body 32 rests on the rounded bottom 43. Thus, the cylindrical shape of the wire is retained during the sintering step.

Dans la variante de la figure 11, les gouttières 51 ont une forme avec un fond incliné.In the variant of figure 11 , the gutters 51 have a shape with an inclined bottom.

L'invention se rapporte également à un procédé de frittage d'un corps vert, notamment pour l'horlogerie, le corps vert présentant une forme initiale.The invention also relates to a method for sintering a green body, in particular for watchmaking, the green body having an initial shape.

Le procédé comprend une première étape dans laquelle on dispose le corps vert sur un support muni d'une face de soutien en relief selon l'invention, de sorte que le corps vert soit au moins en partie en contact avec une première partie de la face de soutien du support.The method comprises a first step in which the green body is placed on a support provided with a support face in relief according to the invention, so that the green body is at least partly in contact with a first part of the face support support.

L'invention comprend une deuxième étape dans laquelle on fritte le corps vert sur le support, de manière à ce qu'il se rétracte de sa forme initiale à une forme finale. Dans sa forme finale, le corps est au moins en partie en contact avec une seconde partie de la face de soutien du support, la seconde partie étant différente de la première.The invention comprises a second step in which the green body is sintered on the support, so that it shrinks from its initial shape to a final shape. In its final form, the body is at least in part in contact with a second part of the support face of the support, the second part being different from the first.

La première et la deuxième partie peuvent être orientées différemment l'une de l'autre, notamment par rapport à la gravité.The first and the second part can be oriented differently from each other, in particular with respect to gravity.

De préférence, le corps glisse sur le support de sa forme initiale à sa forme finale pendant la deuxième étape.Preferably, the body slides on the support from its initial shape to its final shape during the second stage.

Claims (15)

Support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) pour une étape de frittage d'un procédé de réalisation d'une pièce, notamment pour l'horlogerie, à partir d'un corps (2, 12, 22, 32) vert présentant une forme initiale présentant une forme dont le en relief, le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) subissant une rétractation de la forme initiale à une forme finale pendant l'étape de frittage, le support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) présentant au moins une face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) du corps (2, 12, 22, 32) pendant l'étape de frittage, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) présente une géométrie en relief configurée pour soutenir le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) de sa forme initiale à sa forme finale, afin qu'il garde sa forme et ses proportions avec un coefficient de rétractation lié au frittage.Support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) for a sintering step of a process for producing a part, in particular for watchmaking, from a body (2, 12, 22, 32 ) green having an initial shape having a shape whose relief, the body (2, 12, 22, 32) undergoing a retraction from the initial shape to a final shape during the sintering step, the support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) having at least one support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) of the body (2, 12, 22, 32) during the sintering step, characterized in that the support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) has a relief geometry configured to support the body (2, 12, 22, 32) from its initial shape to its final shape, so that it keeps its shape and its proportions with a shrinkage coefficient related to sintering. Support selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) comprend au moins deux parties (3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25, 33, 34, 35, 43, 44, 45) agencées chacune sur deux niveaux différents, chaque partie étant en contact avec le corps au cours du frittage.Support according to Claim 1, characterized in that the support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) comprises at least two parts (3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 23, 24, 25 , 33, 34, 35, 43, 44, 45) each arranged on two different levels, each part being in contact with the body during sintering. Support selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'une partie est destinée à être en contact avec le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale.Support according to Claim 2, characterized in that a part is intended to be in contact with the body (2, 12, 22, 32) in its final shape and not in its initial shape. Support selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les deux parties (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) sont destinées à être en contact avec le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale.Support according to Claim 2, characterized in that the two parts (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) are intended to be in contact with the body (2, 12, 22, 32) in its initial shape and in its final form. Support selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) comprend une partie centrale (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) et deux parties latérales (4, 5, 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35, 44, 45).Support according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) comprises a central part (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) and two lateral parts (4 , 5, 14, 15, 24, 25, 34, 35, 44, 45). Support selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie centrale (13, 33, 43) forme un fond, les parties latérales (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) étant relevées par rapport à la partie centrale (13, 33, 43).Support according to Claim 5, characterized in that the central part (13, 33, 43) forms a bottom, the lateral parts (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) being raised with respect to the central part (13 , 33, 43). Support selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la partie centrale (3, 23) est surélevée par rapport aux parties latérales (4, 5, 24, 25).Support according to Claim 5, characterized in that the central part (3, 23) is raised with respect to the side parts (4, 5, 24, 25). Support selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que la partie centrale (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) est destinée à être en contact avec le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) dans sa forme finale et pas dans sa forme initiale.Support according to Claim 6, characterized in that the central part (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) is intended to be in contact with the body (2, 12, 22, 32) in its final shape and not in its initial form. Support selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les parties latérales (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) sont destinées à être en contact avec le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) dans sa forme initiale et dans sa forme finale.Support according to Claim 7, characterized in that the lateral parts (14, 15, 34, 35, 44, 45) are intended to be in contact with the body (2, 12, 22, 32) in its initial shape and in its final form. Support selon la revendication 7 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que la partie centrale (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) est destinée à être en contact avec le corps (2, 12, 22, 32) dans sa forme finale et dans sa forme initiale.Support according to Claim 7 or 9, characterized in that the central part (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) is intended to be in contact with the body (2, 12, 22, 32) in its final shape and in its original form. Support selon l'une, quelconque, des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien a une rugosité d'indice Ra supérieur à 1, de préférence supérieur à 3, voire supérieur à 4, pour permettre le glissement du corps pendant la rétractation.Support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support face has a roughness of index R a greater than 1, preferably greater than 3, or even greater than 4, to allow the sliding of the body during the withdrawal. Support selon l'une, quelconque, des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une poudre appliquée sur la face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) pour permettre le glissement du corps (2, 12, 22, 32) pendant la rétractation.Support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a powder applied to the support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) to allow the sliding of the body (2, 12 , 22, 32) during retraction. Support selon l'une, quelconque, des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la face de soutien (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) est configurée pour être agencée par rapport à l'axe de la gravité pour éviter le risque de déformation engendrée par la gravité.Support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support face (9, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59) is configured to be arranged with respect to the axis of gravity to avoid the risk of deformation caused by gravity. Support selon l'une, quelconque, des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le relief du support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) est configuré pour accompagner la rétractation du corps (2, 12, 22, 32) tout au long de l'étape de frittage et conserver ses proportions pendant qu'il se rétracte.Support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the relief of the support (1, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50) is configured to accompany the retraction of the body (2, 12, 22, 32) throughout the sintering stage and maintain its proportions as it shrinks. Procédé de frittage d'un corps vert, notamment pour l'horlogerie, le corps vert présentant une forme initiale, le procédé comprenant les étapes suivantes : - disposer le corps vert sur un support selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, de sorte que le corps vert soit au moins en partie en contact avec une première partie d'une face de soutien du support, - fritter le corps vert sur le support de manière à ce qu'il se rétracte de sa forme initiale à une forme finale, le corps obtenu étant au moins en partie en contact avec une seconde partie d'une face de soutien du support, la seconde partie étant différente de la première. Process for sintering a green body, in particular for watchmaking, the green body having an initial shape, the process comprising the following steps: - arranging the green body on a support according to any one of the preceding claims, so that the green body is at least partially in contact with a first part of a support face of the support, - sintering the green body on the support so that it shrinks from its initial shape to a final shape, the body obtained being at least partly in contact with a second part of a support face of the support, the second part being different from the first.
EP21172840.7A 2021-05-07 2021-05-07 Support for a method for sintering of a body, in particular for timepieces Pending EP4086711A1 (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21172840.7A EP4086711A1 (en) 2021-05-07 2021-05-07 Support for a method for sintering of a body, in particular for timepieces
US17/656,657 US20220355373A1 (en) 2021-05-07 2022-03-28 Support frame for a method for sintering a body, in particular for watchmaking
JP2022053202A JP7393459B2 (en) 2021-05-07 2022-03-29 Support frame for a method of sintering material bodies, especially for portable watchmaking
KR1020220054949A KR20220152153A (en) 2021-05-07 2022-05-03 Support frame for a method for sintering a body, in particular for watchmaking
CN202210487866.4A CN115307443A (en) 2021-05-07 2022-05-06 Support frame for use in a method for sintering green bodies, in particular for watchmaking

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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EP21172840.7A EP4086711A1 (en) 2021-05-07 2021-05-07 Support for a method for sintering of a body, in particular for timepieces

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EP (1) EP4086711A1 (en)
JP (1) JP7393459B2 (en)
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CN (1) CN115307443A (en)

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JP7393459B2 (en) 2023-12-06
CN115307443A (en) 2022-11-08

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